Insider's Guide to the best beach towns in New South Wales, Australia

There’s no denying that New South Wales has stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. From the north to the south and even in Sydney itself, you’re guaranteed a wide range of water-based activities and water sports, vibrant beachside communities with a lively atmosphere, diverse dining options showcasing fresh seafood and local cuisine, and an abundance of outdoor adventures, including hiking and surfing. Ready to set off on your adventures? Here are the best beach towns in NSW.

Why: There are legendary Sydney beach neighbourhoods. And then there’s Manly, sitting pretty on the North Shore with powdery sand both along the harbour and the Pacific Ocean – the latter means epic surf. Getting here is half the fun. You can drive, of course, but there’s also ferries that take you across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay, past the Sydney Opera House and The Heads. There’s no better way to arrive. 

Stay: From Manly Wharf (should you arrive by ferry), it’s a short walk to the suburb’s ocean-facing main beach and the glamourous Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection hotel, fresh and with light-filled rooms that offer dreamy views over the sea and sand. Whether you check into a a Beachfront Room or an Ocean Terrace Room, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves; wake up and soak up the sun from your private patio. The rooftop pool and lounge, and Beach Club concierge team – on hand to book surf lessons and deliver bikes so you can explore the suburb – take this waterside stay to the next level.

Eat: Begin your culinary explorations at the hotel’s own Bistro Manly, a modern French brasserie, or 55 North, where you can sip a spritz or signature Lilly Pilly Pop cocktail      made with local spirits. Then take a stroll along the pine-lined promenade to eat at hot destinations like Manly Pavilion, located in a heritage building and serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes overlooking Manly Cove; and Saké Manly Wharf, a rooftop restaurant with a spectacular terrace and equally dazzling mod-Japanese cuisine. 

Do: Make the most of the hotel’s Beach Club and book in for surf lessons – or, hire a board and go at your own pace. The suburb’s Shelly Beach offers some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in the Northern Beaches. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of coastal-chic boutiques to browse. Or, work up an appetite on the Manly to Spit Bridge coastal walkway – if you’re completing the hike, be sure to pack your swimsuit as there are lots of places to enjoy a dip along the route. 

Why: Newcastle sits pretty on a curve of coast north of Sydney, its port the second-largest of its kind in NSW. There are emerald ocean-fed pools to swim in, epic surf beaches to splash about in, and coastal walks that offer clifftop views of migrating whales during migration. Back in town, there are streets lined with historic buildings, today home to boutiques and restaurants that will rival any of those in Sydney.   

Stay: Novotel Newcastle Beach is on the doorstep of one of the city’s best surf breaks, and many of the rooms offer views over the coast so you can soak up the scene from sunrise to sunset – some hotel rooms even come with a private balcony. Spaces are contemporary and light-filled, with floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure a stunning outlook – book the right room and it will be over the ocean. 

Eat: With indoor and alfresco dining options available, the hotel’s own Bistro Dalby is a great choice if you can’t bear to tear yourself away from this coastal cocoon. When it’s time to venture further afield, you’re within easy reach of the city’s main thoroughfare, leafy Darby Street, along which you’ll discover legendary Goldbergs Coffee House and Beach Burrito Co, with its kickback courtyard and flavour-filled tacos and Mexican-inspired salads. Meanwhile, the waterside Honeysuckle neighbourhood is more than 50 hectares of disused industrial land transformed into a buzzing strip of restaurants and bars. You’re beside the ocean, so it makes sense to indulge in a meal that heroes seafood. Scottie’s is a Newcastle institution that champions sustainable seafood, sourced locally where possible. 

Do: Enjoy whale watching (June to November) or a heart-pumping CoastXP tour that highlights the wrecks, craggy cliffs and sea caves along the coastline. If the sun is shining and the temperature is creeping up, there are few better ways to spend the day than going on a beach crawl via The Bathers Way Walk in Newcastle. This coastal stretch of paved pathway links Merewether Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach and Nobbys Lighthouse in the north. For adventure, head to the Stockton Dunes, the largest mobile sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. This is Worimi land, and you can enjoy exclusive access when you sign up for an Aboriginal-guided quad-bike tour with Sand Dune Adventures. 

Why: Ettalong Beach is the quintessential Australian surf town, a place where barefoot adventures are advised and salty hair is a prerequisite. Kayak, swim, paddleboard, surf… and then head into the hinterland for an adventure with your hiking boots on - national parks abound in this part of the state.

Stay: Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites at Mantra Ettalong Beach all overlook the sand, and all come with private balconies and spa baths – if you book the three-bedroom penthouse, you can also make the most of an outdoor jacuzzi. We wouldn’t blame you for lazing by the pool during the day, but there’s plenty on your doorstep to explore. 

Eat: Grab a coffee from Lords of Pour, followed by brunch at the oceanside The BOX on the Water. You can’t get much closer to the waves than this. If you’re visiting on a weekend, browse the eclectic Ettalong Beach Markets and pick up picnic supplies. Then spread out a rug along the foreshore, where there’s barbecue facilities and a children's playground. 

Do: Take your pick from swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, cycling and boating in this waterfront town. The gentle swell at Ocean Beach Umina is ideal for young children learning to surf – enrol your little ones in the Central Coast Surf School. 

Ettalong Beach is also a popular cycling destination. Hire bikes from Boomerang Bikes and follow the shared cycling and walking path along the Esplanade or explore the Warrah Trig cycling loop, a 10km route through Brisbane Water National Park. Pause at Warrah lookout for spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. The waterside town also hosts the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival every November.

Why: Just south of the Queensland border, Kingscliff is ideally positioned to access the blissful sand and surf beaches that characterise the Tweed region of northern NSW. Your coastal adventure stretches all the way from Fingal Head in the north to Cabarita Beach in the south. And in between there are endless opportunities for getting active (or being as chilled-out) as you wish). 

Stay: Metres from the grass fringed sands of Salt Beach lies Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff, offering two distinct types of accommodation: Hotel Rooms and Apartments, and Bale Rooms. The former range from one to three bedrooms and are slick and light-filled in design. The latter are set apart from the rest of the resort, and come with generous living spaces and hand-picked furnishings. Don’t miss out on visiting the spa, replete with hydrotherapy facilities, infrared saunas and an ice bath.

Eat: When it comes time to refuel, drop in on Zentveld's Coffee Farm & Roastery for a strong brew or a bean-to-cup tour of the working estate. You can also pick up bags of beans to take back to your accommodation. Nearby, Husk Farm Distillery is known for its Ink Gin (which now comes in four different flavours) as well as its premium rums, each of which was made to reflect the environment of the North Coast. If you want someone else to do the driving, Kiff & Culture offers foodie tours around the region     , one of which unites a distillery visit with a five-course long lunch at The Farm, outside Byron Bay.   

Do: Based in Kingscliff, you’re within easy reach of Byron Bay, Cabarita Beach, Brunswick Head and Fingal Head… what’s not to like? Follow the lead of locals and explore with Tweed Eco Cruises, hosting outings that unite rivers and rainforest, bush tucker and crabs, and sunset flutes of champagne. Watersports Guru offers a different perspective, taking you to the tiny volcanic outcrop of Cook Island to snorkel with green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. For culture, visit the Tweed Regional Art Gallery, not only showcasing exhibits from great talents across the country and world, but also built with a recreation of the jam-packed Paddington studio of Margaret Olley, one of Australia’s most celebrated artists.

Why: Getting to Wollongong from Sydney is an adventure unto itself, hugging the coast and taking you through Australia’s oldest national park. Beaches here are some of the most memorable - and longest - in NSW, and stretch for miles, with conditions ranging from surf to calm, making them ideal for everyone from families to avid board-riders.  

Stay: Hotels don’t get much closer to the sand than the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, directly opposite a popular patrolled surf beach. The other reason to check in here is for the modern rooms, which may come with a private balcony overlooking the ocean, or even a courtyard. 

Eat: Part of the Illawarra region of the South Coast, Wollongong’s surrounds are blessed with excellent wineries. Linger in Berry at Two Figs Winery, offering tastings at its boutique cellar door, allowing you to try the range, from shiraz to chardonnay. While you’re tasting local flavours, stop past The Illawarra Brewery, back in Wollongong, where you can pair craft beers and wines with classic pub fare. Also in town, K.malu Kitchen & Bar is the place to take someone you want to impress. The menu is designed to share and is split between deli meats and cheeses as well as a la carte options and a longer set menu.    

Do: There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Wollongong, including seasonal whale watching from May through November and surfing at North Wollongong, where the beach also comes with rock pools. If you need some assistance jumping on a board, Illawarra Surf Academy offers classes from the town. Then discover Indigenous art at the Wollongong Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since the 1950s. 

Why: Nature rules in Kiama, where volcanic outcrops give way to epic blowholes enveloped by golden-sand beaches. Take on coastal walks that reveal dolphins year-round and whales during migration (May through November), then meet the creative locals who love this part of the South Coast for the inspiration it provides, both in food, wine, art and culture.  

Stay: For resort-style accommodation, The Sebel Kiama Harbourside comes with spacious rooms and apartments, the latter offering expansive entertaining areas with sea views. Some rooms feature private balconies, while apartments are kitted out with fully equipped kitchens should you wish to linger. And believe us, you’ll want to.  

Eat: Food and wine experiences are built around both beach culture and the region’s bountiful produce. Visit the Kiama Farmer’s Market at Surf Beach, where you’ll find locally foraged truffles during winter and freshly plucked fruit and vegetables. Local seafood is on the menu at Penny Whistlers overlooking Black Beach, particularly popular at sunset. You can also get your fix at Fish Vibes in Kiama Downs. 

Do: While Kiama’s main beach draws surfers, plenty of calm bays offer family swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking – try Kendalls or Easts beaches. If you decide to brave the breaks on a surfboard, but need guidance, instructors offer lessons through Surf Camp Australia. Leave the ocean behind, and within minutes you’ll find yourself surrounded by flora and fauna at Minnamurra Rainforest, a primeval world of waterfalls and walking trails within Budderoo National Park. Drop in on the Rainforest Centre for tips on trails to tackle. 

Why: On the mid-North Coast of NSW, Port Macquarie is home to one of the state's largest populations of koalas in the wild. But that's not the only animal encounters you will have here, with dolphins and whales regularly spotted along the shoreline, whther from clifftop lookouts or one of the town's 17 beaches. Life here goes at a slow, barefoot pace. And when you visit, you'll quickly fall into synch. 

Stay: While you’re in the heart of town when you check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, you’re also just a short walk from the beach. Many rooms come with private balconies, so you can soak up the Port Macquarie sun in style before venturing out to explore the region. 

Eat: Port Macquarie is becoming a mecca for foodies, with fantastic restaurants, cafes and wineries within easy reach. From award-winning restaurants such as The Stunned Mullet to quirky waterfront cafes such as Little Shack and family favourites like Burger Rebellion, there’s something for every palette and budget. At Cassegrain Wines, Deux Garden celebrates local produce and wines in a paddock-to-plate menu. Meanwhile, seafood also stars at Whalebone Wharf, on the banks of the Hastings River. Then Head to Ricardoes to pick buckets of fresh strawberries.

Do: With world-class breaks and consistent swell, Port Macquarie’s beaches are a surfer’s delight. Popular spots to jump on a board include the Breakwall at Town Beach, which is right near the centre of town and comes with plenty of facilities. 

If you want to get up close and personal with Australia’s cuddliest critters, you’ve come to the right place. Port Macquarie has the highest koala population on the east coast of Australia and is home to the famous Koala Hospital, which treats and rehabilitates hundreds of sick or injured koalas every year.

Why: On the outskirts of Port Macquarie, Nelson Bay is the kind of place that lures you in with the prospect of dolphin and whale sightings - the later during migration from May through November - and makes you want to linger with a laid-back vibe and plenty of opportunities for soaking up the sun. And sand - you’re within easy reach of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving sand dunes, and there are endless powdery beaches to explore whether you're into surfing, swimming or simply chilling out.  

Stay: The 110 one- to three-bedroom apartments at Mantra Nelson Bay are nestled around the resort’s 25-meter lagoon-style pool, which comes replete with a cascading waterfall and children's fountain area. There’s no need to leave thanks to your accommodation’s full kitchen, laundry facilities and a balcony – you’ll be spending a lot of time here. 

Eat: Head to nautically-themed Little Beach Boathouse for a waterside setting that is almost as good as the fresh fare. Or try The Wharf, for ocean-to-table meals like tempura prawns and fresh black mussels. Go straight to the source on the wharf at Nelson Bay Fish Market, where trawlers deliver all of the above on a daily basis. Next door at Bub’s Fish and Chips you can buy cold and hot seafood, including indulgent platters and what many regard as the tastiest fish and chips in town. And a short drive away at family owned Holberts Oyster Farm (growing and shucking for five generations) you can take away a platter of molluscs, or order a bottle of wine and enjoy an alfresco feast overlooking the waters of Cromarty Bay. 

Do: Any trip to this part of the coast should include a visit to Shoal Bay Beach, the area’s most legendary stretch of sand, curving 2.5km from Nelson Head to Tomaree Head and with sweeping views over the inlet. You can also hike to the summit through Tomaree National Park, with fields of wildflowers and large numbers of koalas.

During migration (May through November), you can also spot humpback and southern right whales, breaching out to sea. If you’re not clifftop, cruise out to see these enormous marine mammals on a whale watching expedition from Nelson Bay marina with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises or Imagine Cruises. Then discover the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere: the Stockton Sand Dunes reach heights of more than 40 metres, their steep sides often hitting an incline of 60 degrees. Adrenaline-seekers will want to sign up for dune surfing or quad-bike tours with Sand Dune Adventures and sandboarding with 4WD Tours R US.